According to diabetologist, dietary recommendation lean towards a composition of 40-45 per cent calories from proteins, 20-35 per cent from fats, and 20-25 per cent from carbohydrates. This balance aims to mitigate the impact of insulin on fat accumulation, managing diabetes and weight gain. Check details
| Diabetologist answers
One of the most common suggestions that is given to diabetes patients is to make changes in their diet and lifestyle. Besides that, along with diet being physically active is also suggested by experts to manage the blood sugar levels in the body. But why is meal or diet planning important in Diabetes?
In conversation with News9, Dr Vaishali Pathak, Senior Consultant – Diabetologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune said, “In the realm of diabetes, there are two distinct types: type 1, characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin, necessitating insulin therapy exclusively, and type 2, where insulin dependency varies. Type 2 patients often have the flexibility to manage their condition with a combination of tablets and insulin, depending on their sugar levels.”
Diabetes “Crucially, diet assumes a pivotal role in the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The key tenet revolves around adopting a low-carb, high-protein diet—a proven success mantra for diabetes management. Advising individuals to reduce consumption of refined sugars, fried items, and sugary drinks like Pepsi or Coke is standard practice. Instead, the emphasis is on consuming fresh, home-cooked meals over processed junk foods like pizzas, burgers, and pasta laden with carbohydrates,” added Dr Pathak.
How much does a diet plan play a role?
A high-protein diet is recommended, incorporating foods like cheese, soya, tofu, chicken, and fish. Diabetologists advocate steering clear of excessive carbohydrates, particularly during dinner, as high carb intake triggers increased insulin release, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and elevated blood sugar levels. The dietary recommendation from Diabetologist leans towards a composition of 40-45 per cent calories from proteins, 20-35 per cent from fats, and 20-25 per cent from carbohydrates. This balance aims to mitigate the impact of insulin on fat accumulation and weight gain.
Accoridng to Dr Pathak, “The age-old wisdom of “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper” holds true in the diabetic diet plan. A heavy breakfast with a diverse range of proteins and low-carb fruits is recommended. Lunch is advised to be lighter, and dinner, especially, should consist of a low-carb and low-fat menu to minimize insulin secretion. Snacking between meals is encouraged, focusing on low-carb fruits such as guava, berries, apples, or protein shakes. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and seeds like melon and sunflower seeds are recommended as healthy alternatives to high-carb snacks.”
Adopting a diabetes-friendly diet involves a conscious effort to prioritize low-carb, high-protein foods, manage portion sizes, and distribute nutritional intake throughout the day. This comprehensive guide aims to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed dietary choices for optimal diabetes management.